Men suspected of shooting a 51 year old in the head and body on Monday are in court this morning on charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Men suspected of shooting a 51 year old in the head and body are in court on Monday on charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Billy Nelson Smith, 24, of Moorhen Walk, Greenhithe and 42-year-old Billy Smith of Hillhouse Road, Stone appeared at Chatham Magistrates Court on Thursday following the incident on Monday night in Moorhen Walk and were transferred to Maidstone Crown Counrt for preliminary hearings next week.

Three others have also been arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of assisting an offender.

A 19 year old woman and a 44 year old woman both from Sidcup and a 23 year old woman from Greenhithe have been bailed pending further enquiries until 27 September.

Police were called to Moorhen Walk, Greenhithe, on August 1 after reports at around 9.50pm of gunshots, but when armed officers arrived the address was empty.

Darent Valley Hospital later alerted police that a 51-year-old man had been admitted by relatives that night with shotgun wounds.

He discharged himself on Thursday.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or the moments leading up to it should call police on 01622 690 690 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.